Curbell officer recognized as ‘Environmental Champion’

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 recently acknowledged two individuals for their work on the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable.

Thomas Hersey, Erie County commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning, and Mark Shriver, Curbell’s director of safety and environmental affairs, were honored as “Environmental Champions” by the agency for their work on the roundtable.

“It is an honor to be recognized as an ‘Environmental Champion’ by EPA Region 2 for our work in protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health,” Hersey said. “The SBR’s message has been well-received, and we continue to attract new businesses interested in being a part of a more sustainable region.”

The roundtable, a network of companies committed to developing and implementing sustainability goals that will create a more environmentally and economically resilient region, debuted on Earth Day in 2014 with 30 businesses, along with Erie County and the University at Buffalo.

That number has since grown to 75 organizations that have signed a pledge to reduce waste and pollution, protect waterways, optimize use of energy and materials, and invest in the community, according to a press release.

“We are glad to be a part of this successful public-private partnership, and could not do it without the support of leaders in the public sector and the business community,” Hersey said.

“This award is a testament to strong partnerships and the positive results they produce,” Shriver said. “The Sustainable Business Roundtable is a great example of business and government working together to strengthen our businesses and improve our environment. Without the vision and support of people like Curbell’s Tom Leone and County Executive Mark Poloncarz, none of this would have happened, and when you also have partners like the University at Buffalo and others, great things happen in the community.”

Curbell was recognized earlier this year by Region 2 of the Environmental Protection Agency as a Sustainable Materials Management Award winner for its performance in environmental responsibility and sustainability, the release said.

The company was named as one of three top companies in Region 2 for its environmental practices under the agency’s WasteWise program. Participants in the program must demonstrate how they reduce waste, practice environmental stewardship and incorporate sustainable materials management into their waste-handling processes.